City's derelict Debenhams could become a park

Plans to turn Cardiff's former Debenhams store into a park have been submitted to the city council for consideration.

The former city centre department store, which closed in 2021, is already in the process of being demolished.

Developers have drawn up plans to replace the site with a public square including a splash pad, play park, and a raised terrace with room for two restaurants overlooking the park itself.

St David's shopping centre director, Helen Morgan, said the planned redevelopment was in "the heart" of the Welsh capital.

"Bringing a park into that space is really, really important because it’s so central- everyone can benefit from it," she said.

“We'll have a park area with a giant slide, we'll have water fountains that in the summer can be a splash park for kids, and there will be a staged area."

The development has been in the pipeline since last year, when developer Landsec purchased the former department store.

A public consultation about the plans was launched earlier this year, which Ms Morgan said had received an "overwhelmingly positive" response.

"In total we engaged with over 5,000 community groups and individuals," said Ms Morgan.

"They really want to see spaces that can be used by families, that are safe.

"A lot of people talked about the environment and introducing green spaces into the area as well."

The former Debenhams store, which closed in 2021, remains part of the original St David's shopping centre and dates back to the late 1970s. It now forms part of the wider St Davids Dewi Sant, which opened in 2009.

The demolition of the site, which is said to be around one-and-a-half rugby pitches in size, will include the removal of the old department store walls on Hills Street.

"It's very much an open space," said Morgan.

"At the moment we're still confirming exactly how we keep the area safe and secure, but already, we're talking about the park and ensuring that at night we can secure that space."

If the plans get the go-ahead, the park will be accessible directly from the St David's shopping centre, or at street level from the outside.

"You'll be able to access it from the original part of St David's - there will be a new entrance created for that part of the shopping centre," said Morgan.

"You'll be able to walk into the park straight off the street. It’s like an extension of the public realm. You'll be able to cut through it onto Charles Street, and you'll be able to cut through into the older part of St David's shopping centre as well."

Demolition of the former store is expected to continue until spring 2025.

Landsec is hoping to get a decision on its planning application by the autumn.

If planning permission is granted, developers said they hoped to open the park to the public by summer 2026.

Cardiff council said it could not comment on the plans until a decision had been made.

"It's a really good idea," said Vicci Rowlands, 40, from Barry.

"I think more places should be doing things like that to be honest. I mean, it's a big area, it's a big space, and at the moment it's clearly not used for anything.

"Surely that would bring people into Cardiff, which means more businesses being spent into, which would obviously keep the economy going."

Sophie Sims, 35, Rhondda Cynon Taf, said she thought it was a "really nice idea to have something that's different for the children in the centre".

"Especially a splash park or a playground for them. I know our children love splash parks so I think it would be ideal for them - especially when it’s hot."

Linda Murphy, 61, said "they need to do something with it".

"They have got enough shops... They've added all the new centres, but it is nice to have a green space for people to come and just sit.

"You come into town and there's not really much to do with [children] other than take them to the toy shop. They don’t need any more shops, definitely. They've got enough."

Video by Nathan Aviss.